Synopsis

Racing through the streets of Paris making food deliveries on his bicycle, Guinean immigrant Souleymane (Abou Sangare) is struggling to stay afloat. In two days, he has to report for an asylum application interview, where he must plead his case to an immigration officer (Nina Meurisse) who will determine his future in France. As he rides, he repeats his story. But Souleymane is not ready.

Drawing inspiration from Cristian Mungiu’s 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days and evoking the humanist films of the Dardennes, Boris Lojkine’s urgent, propulsive third feature never leaves Souleymane’s side in a deeply affecting account of the daily trials and uncertain futures faced by migrants in France and around the world.

Souleymane’s Story is 1 hour 33 minutes long and is in French with English subtitles. This film is not rated.

Note: Photos and synopsis courtesy of Kino Lorber, US distributor of Souleymane’s Story.

Trailer

Reviews

“What keeps a viewer rapt, besides the sheer, humble openness of Sangaré’s performance and the ticktock tension as the hearing nears, are the glimpses of kindness…” The Washington Post — Ty Burr

“The film’s considerable power depends entirely on its moment-to-moment persuasiveness, on a set of narrative and aesthetic choices that, as presented—in a series of swift, kinetically composed, and jaggedly edited scenes—seldom feel like choices at all.” The New Yorker — Justin Chang

“With a constantly moving, mostly hand-held shooting style, Lojkine tells his story in the key of subtlety and raw feeling.” The New York Times — Natalia Winkelman

Awards & Festivals

2024 Cannes Film Festival

• Winner — Un Certain Regard Winner (Abou Sangare)
• Winner — Un Certain Regard Jury Prize (Boris Lojkine)

2025 César Awards

• Winner — Best Supporting Actress (Nina Meurisse)
• Winner — Best Editing (Xavier Sirven)
• Winner — Best Original Screenplay (Boris Lojkine)
• Winner — Best Male Revelation (Abou Sangare)

2025 Seattle International Film Festival

• Winner — Best Performance (Abou Sangare)